Introduced by the director of a major Chicago radio station, solo artists Danny and EJ banded together immediately. Following the release of a few singles, they opened for Rihanna and T. Pain at Chicago’s B-96FM summer “B-Bash.” This prompted a move to Los Angeles as they wanted to expand their horizons. To pay rent, the duo busked on the world famous Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade. With only a second-hand acoustic guitar, they sang some newly-written originals and covers. Their impromptu show garnered such a big crowd they decided to make it official, calling the group “Shytown,” paying homage to their home city. It was there they were discovered by Leopold Management (Maroon 5, Melissa Etheridge) and were offered a contract along with being signed to APA-Agency. Danny and EJ quickly hit the road, becoming tour support for former Glee TV star Corey Monteith’s band and performing at the famous Hollywood Santa Parade opening for Demi Lovato.
Shytown then hit the studio and officially released their first EP, “Single Again,” which was featured on the iTunes Pop homepage. It was produced and recorded in Studio City by Kelly Clarkson’s guitarist, Aben Eubanks. That same year, the duo went on America’s Got Talent and became the first group to ever perform an original song on the show. Execs from Atlantic Records caught wind and invited them to write in their Hollywood offices for some new signings.
After stints on The Voice and filming a pilot episode of Unfinished Business with record mogul Suge Knight, EJ and Danny worked with super producers Jonathan “JR” Rotem (Britney Spears, Ariana Grande) and David Kahne (Sublime, Lana Del Rey) and landed a song on a Fox TV Sitcom, “I Hate My Teenage Daughter.” The sync would be their first but far from last as they were able to place several more songs on shows such as “Bad Girls Club” and “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” along with two songs in the feature-length teen drama “Next Level.” The feature-length film played in theaters across the country and is now streaming on Amazon Prime and more.
In 2017, Shytown wanted to extend their range and branch out, taking a break from the stage. They opened a studio working with other artists including Jay McGuinness (The Wanted) and Wes Scantlin (Puddle of Mudd) and went on several writing retreats to Nashville. It was there they caught the eye of renowned producer Keith Stegal (Zac Brown band, Alan Jackson) and his camp.
Following the pandemic, the pair signed with booking agency Degy Entertainment and landed an endorsement deal with Skrewball Whiskey. They also signed with sync agencies Said So Sound, Shoot the Noise and Squeak E. Clean sync to represent their catalogue of music for sync licensing. Their 2021 throwback 80’s single “Survive” charted on radio. Forming a backing band to support them live, they’ll embark on their 2023 college tour with dates TBD.
